Football
FORT WORTH, Texas — Grand View saved its best for the biggest stage.
Behind a dominant rushing performance, timely defense, and clutch special teams, the Grand View Vikings defeated the Keiser Seahawks 22–16 on Saturday afternoon to claim the 2025 NAIA Football National Championship, capping an undefeated season with a gritty, hard-fought win.
The championship matchup lived up to expectations, featuring momentum swings, explosive plays, and a tense final sequence before Grand View finally secured the red banner.
First-Half Control
The opening quarter was a defensive struggle, with both teams trading punts before Keiser struck first on a 27-yard field goal to take a 3–0 lead. Grand View responded in the second quarter by leaning on its kicking game, as Cory Woodconnected on field goals of 45 and 41 yards, giving the Vikings a 6–3 advantage.
Just when it appeared the teams would head into halftime locked in a tight contest, Grand View delivered the game’s biggest play. With under a minute remaining in the second quarter, running back Dalten Van Pelt broke free up the middle, outrunning the defense for an 80-yard touchdown run. The explosive score pushed the Vikings ahead 13–3 at the break and shifted momentum firmly in their favor.
Keiser Fights Back
Keiser refused to fade quietly. Quarterback Shea Spencer led a strong third-quarter response, guiding the Seahawks on a scoring drive capped by a 7-yard touchdown pass to Maurico Porcha. Later in the quarter, Keiser added a 36-yard field goal to tie the game at 13–13, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Decisive Fourth Quarter
Grand View regained control early in the fourth. Quarterback Jackson Waring found Corey Phillips streaking down the sideline for a 40-yard touchdown pass, giving the Vikings a 19–13 lead after the extra point attempt was missed.
With time winding down, Wood delivered again, drilling a 32-yard field goal with just over two minutes left to extend the margin to 22–13.
Keiser added a late 37-yard field goal with two seconds remaining, but Grand View recovered the ensuing onside kick attempt, ending the Seahawks’ comeback hopes and igniting the Vikings’ championship celebration.
By the Numbers
- Dalten Van Pelt (Grand View): 19 carries, 144 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Jackson Waring (Grand View): 9-of-21 passing, 144 yards, 1 TD
- Cory Wood (Grand View): 5-for-5 on field goals (45, 41, 32 yards among them)
- Shea Spencer (Keiser): 290 passing yards, 1 TD
- Maurico Porcha (Keiser): 114 receiving yards, 1 TD
Grand View outlasted Keiser by controlling the ground game, winning the field-position battle, and capitalizing on key moments in all three phases.
Championship Moment
The victory secured back-to-back NAIA national championships for Grand View and reinforced the Vikings’ place among the elite programs in small-college football. More importantly, it was a testament to balance — explosive offense, dependable kicking, and a defense that made stops when it mattered most.
As the final seconds ticked away and players poured onto the field, one thing was clear: in a championship defined by toughness and execution, Grand View finished stronger — and earned its place atop the NAIA once again. 🏆
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